Meaning of Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Compiled by: Ali Hussain Dhuniya

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بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ 1. (Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm)

2. Word-by-word:

3. Common English Translations:

4. Brief Explanations:

5.💡 Deeper understanding:

6. Explanation of Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm ( بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ )

7. What is Called Khutbah al-Ḥājah

8. 🔥 Consequences of Ahlul-Bidʿah(Innovators) in the Hereafter and This Life

9. The Explanation of Al-Basmala

10. The Ruling on Al-Basmala

11. Fatwa(Ruling) regarding  Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm (بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ)

12. Summary:

13. Footnotes: Read the footnotes as you read the main text, because they add a lot of benefits. ✅

بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ (Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm)

The English Translation: "In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

The phrase بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ (Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm) is one of the most profound and oft-repeated phrases in Islam. It appears at the beginning of every Sūrah(chapters) in the Qur’ān except Sūrah At-Tawbah. Its meaning is very deep.It is also called “basmalah”.

Word-by-word:

• بِسْمِ (Bismi) → "In the Name of"
  
• ٱللَّهِ (Allāh) → "Allah" (The One True God, who deserved to be worshipped alone without any partners)
  
• ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ (Ar-Raḥmān) → "The Most Compassionate / The Entirely Merciful" (mercy that encompasses all creation)
  
• ٱلرَّحِيمِ (Ar-Raḥīm) → "The Especially Merciful" (continuous mercy, especially for the believers)
  

Common English Translations:

1. "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."
   
2. "In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful."
   
3. "In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful."
   
4. "In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful."
   
5. "I begin with the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful."
   

Brief Explanations:

• “In the Name of Allah(بِسۡمِ اللهِ)” → means starting an action seeking blessings, help, and guidance from Allah.
  
• Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمن) → Allah’s vast, all-encompassing mercy for every creation, believer or disbeliever, human or animal.
  
• Ar-Raḥīm (الرحيم) → Allah’s special, continuous mercy reserved for the believers, especially in the Hereafter.
  

💡 Deeper understanding:

• By saying Bismillāh, a Muslim acknowledges that every action should be connected to Allah and not done in arrogance or heedlessness.
  
• The two Names together (Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥīm) show the perfection of Allah’s mercy—comprehensive and everlasting.
  

Shaykh Moosa Richardson from salafi publication network (spubs) mention in his compilation book called ‘Kitab-ut-Tawheed by Allamah Shaykh Muhammad Abdul Bin Wahab(The Book of Monotheism)’ that:

«bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm» The basmalah in a written work is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and from some angles, it is more appropriate than khutbah al-ḥājah.

Now if we've mentioned that khutbah al-ḥājah was his introduction to many of his speeches and admonishments – how can we say that it is more appropriate to begin a book with «bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm»?

Some of the scholars made a distinction that the basmalah is the best Sunnah to be instituted, and the more specific practice of the Messenger (ﷺ). The number of things that the Messenger (ﷺ) wrote, whether to kings and rulers of his time, letters to people, or the pact of Hudaybiyyah, all consistently began with «bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.»

We see then, that this practice was indeed taken from him, the companions, and the tabi'ūn, and it was passed on. It reached some of the authors of the greatest books of Islam, who solely began their books using the phrase, «bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.» In the Name of Allah, the Extremely Merciful, the One Whose Mercy encompasses the believers on the Day of Judgment.

An example of this would be Abū 'Abdillāh Muḥammad bin. Ismā'īl al-Bukhārī, better known as al-Bukhārī (رحمه الله).He is the great Imam and author of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, the most authentic compilation of ḥadīth with their chains written. His book began simply with: "bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm - The Book of the Initial Bringing of Revelation." He began with the basmalah.

So with that, a number of scholars all the way into later times, including Shaykh al-Islām Muḥammad bin 'Abdul-Wahhāb, began their books by simply saying «bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm.» Furthermore, some of the scholars, especially those who compile aḥādīth along with āyāt in chapters similar to Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Kitāb at-Tawḥīd, feared that if they were to write an introduction from themselves other than «bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm» it might be considered blameworthy. This was from the angle of implementing the statement of Allah:

O you who believe! Make not (a decision) in advance before Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Quran Surah Al-Hujurat 49:1 — Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan Translation

Some of them considered that the best application of this āyah (to make it inclusive of so many things) means that we allow it to apply to the books we write. So, if one were to write a book containing āyāt and aḥādīth, the most appropriate introduction would be to simply name Allah and begin with the blessing of His Name, say nothing from our ownselves, and going right into what Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) have said, whether it is obligatory or not. This is just to apply the āyah in every possible way that it could be applied.

This is likely the motivation behind many of the authors who simply began their books with the basmalah. It is also likely (we have to say likely because we cannot confirm it and say this is absolute) the reason why the author began with the basmalah. Other alternate explanations have been offered by some of the scholars. They mentioned a commonly quoted ḥadīth that says that any sermon or speech of importance that begins without the basmalah is deficient. This ḥadīth attributed to the Messenger (ﷺ) is actually unauthentic and is not to be used as a proof for beginning a book, a class or an address with the basmalah. Rather, the generality of the practice of the Messenger (ﷺ) is what establishes for us the legislated nature of beginning with it and not the unauthentic ḥadīth attributed to him.

Source:THE EXPLANATION OF KITĀB AT-TAWHĪD by Shaykh Ṣāliḥ bin  al-Fawzān (حفظه الله) | Taught by Dr. Moosaa Richardson (حفظه الله) pdf page 7-8.

In summary, Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem(basmalah) is most appropriate when beginning written works such as books, letters, or documents, while for addressing an audience—like at a marriage ceremony, public speaking, or giving lectures—it is best to first say the basmalah and then follow with Khutbah al-Hajah.

Get the free pdf book:https://www.troid.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/MR_kitaabattawheed.pdf .

Explanation of Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm ( بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ )

1. Shaykh Moosha Richardson:

«ar-Raḥmān, ar-Raḥīm» These are two names of Allah that refer to His Mercy. The scholars mentioned that ar-Raḥīm indicates the Possessor of a Mercy that is specific to the Hereafter, meaning a mercy specific to the believers, those whom shall be rewarded on the Day of Judgment.

The name ar-Raḥmān includes the meaning of Mercy which extends to those who disbelieve in Him, reject His Message, and fight against His Messengers. In this life, He envelops them and the rest of the creation in His Mercy, including animals, birds, fish, trees, and wildlife. However, the Mercy that is salvation forever from the Hell-fire (and the mercy for safety, eternal bliss and happiness) is reserved for those who give Allah His right and do not violate it. The right to be worshipped alone.

«bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm» The basmalah in a written work is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and from some angles, it is more appropriate than khutbah al-ḥājah.

Source:THE EXPLANATION OF KITĀB AT-TAWHĪD by Shaykh Ṣāliḥ bin  al-Fawzān (حفظه الله) | Taught by Dr. Moosaa Richardson (حفظه الله) pdf page 7.

Get the free pdf book:https://www.troid.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/MR_kitaabattawheed.pdf .

What is Called Khutbah al-Ḥājah

Jābir b. ʿAbdullāh said:

When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) delivered the sermon, his eyes became red, his voice rose, and his anger increased so that he was like one giving a warning against the enemy and saying:

"The enemy has made a morning attack on you and in the evening too."

He would also say:

"The Last Hour and I have been sent like these two."

And he would join his forefinger and middle finger; and would further say:

"The best of the speech is embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best of the guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad (ﷺ). And the most evil affairs are their innovations (bidʿah); and every innovation is misguidance."

He would further say:

"I am more dear to a Muslim even than his self; and he who left behind property that is for his family; and he who dies under debt or leaves children (in helplessness), the responsibility (of paying his debt and bringing up his children) lies on me."

— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 867

This is called Khutbat al-Ḥājah (the sermon of need) that the Prophet (ﷺ) would often recite before giving a speech, a khutbah, or a marriage.

• You hear this sermon every Friday.
  
• It contains warnings against bidʿah (religious innovation) and the people of bidʿah(innovators).
  

This powerful warning was often repeated by the Prophet ﷺ in public gatherings, especially in the Friday Khutbah and other important occasions. What’s important to note is that when he made this declaration, there were no apparent innovations (bidʿah) yet present among his companions(Shahabah). That means this warning was a prophetic safeguard, showing the severe danger of religious innovation in Islam even before it appeared.

By stating “every misguidance is in the Fire,” the Prophet ﷺ was not just giving general advice—it was a serious warning to avoid anything added to the religion that he himself did not teach.

🔹 This shows:

• Bidʿah is a path to Hellfire even if the person intends good.
  
• Repeating it in the Khutbah emphasizes its central importance in Islam.
  
• He ﷺ prepared his followers early to stay firm upon the Sunnah and reject innovations, no matter how “good” or “spiritual” they may seem.

🔥 Consequences of Ahlul-Bidʿah(Innovators) in the Hereafter and This Life

🚫 1. Deprived of the Prophet’s Intercession and the Hawdh (Fountain)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“A group of my followers will come to me at the Hawdh (Fountain), but they will be driven away from it, and I will say, ‘O Lord! My followers!’ It will be said, ‘You do not know what they innovated after you.’”
 (Sahih al-Bukhari 6584)

Full Hadith:

Abu Hazim added: An-Nu`man bin Abi `Aiyash, on hearing me, said. "Did you hear this from Sahl?" I said, "Yes." He said, " I bear witness that I heard Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri saying the same, adding that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'I will say: They are of me (i.e. my followers). It will be said, 'You do not know what they innovated (new things) in the religion after you left'. I will say, 'Far removed, far removed (from mercy), those who changed (their religion) after me." - Sahih al-Bukhari 6584

This shows that innovators (Ahlul-Bidʿah) will be rejected from the Prophet’s intercession due to their deviation from his Sunnah.

❌ 2. Allah Prevents the Innovator from Repenting in this worldly life

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Indeed Allah has closed the door of repentance upon every person of innovation.”
 (Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah, no. 1620, Shaykh al-Albani graded it sahih)

Scholars explain this means: the innovator believes he is upon truth, so he rarely repents, unlike a sinner who knows his action is wrong.

😈 3. Shayṭān (Iblīs) Loves Innovation More Than Sin

Imām Sufyān al-Thawrī (رحمه الله) said:

“Innovation is more beloved to Iblīs than sin, because a sin may be repented from—but innovation is not repented from.”
(Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (11/472))

That’s why some of the Salaf said: I prefer that all of them be against me—except the last Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ—on the Day of Judgment. - Mention by Ustaad Shamshi

Why? Because^[1]:

• The person who commits a major sin knows he is disobeying Allah. If he dies upon a sin less than major shirk or major kufr, then he will be under Allah's will. If Allah wills, He may forgive; if He wills, He may punish. But such a person will not remain in the Hellfire forever.
  
• The person of bidʿah, however, shows arrogant enmity. He thinks he is pleasing Allah and getting closer to Him, even though his act is not from Islam.

💡 Summary:

• Innovators will be pushed away from the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment.
  
• Repentance is closed for the one who persists in innovation unless Allah wills.
  
• Iblīs loves innovation more than open sin because the innovator often thinks he’s obeying Allah, and so does not repent.
  

📌 These consequences show the grave danger of religious innovation and why the Salaf were harsh in warning against it.

2. Shaykh Abu Iyyad Amjad Rafiq

Every chapter of the Holy Quran starts with بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ (In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) except Surah(chapter 09) At-Tawbah.

• بِسۡمِ اللهِ (bismillah) – In the Name of Allah
  
• الرَّحۡمٰنِ (rahman) – The Extremely Merciful, merciful to all creation: Muslims, non Muslims, wildlife, animals, inanimate objects, non living beings
  
• الرَّحِيۡمِ (raheem) – The Bestower of mercy: merciful to only believers(Muslims)
  so it becomes ➡️ (Bismillahi ir-Rahman ir-Rahim)

Source: From the book “THE MEANING OF ISLAM” by Shaykh Abu Iyad Amjad Rafiq page 17 pdf ebook

3. Allamah Imam Abdul Aziz bin Baz said in his famous book :”Important Lessons for Every Muslims” on pdf page 17-19 that:

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ

The Explanation of Al-Isti'athah
 That is to say:

1. أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم (A'oothu billahi minash-Shaitaanir-Rajeem) – I seek refuge in Allâh from the accursed Shaitaan.
   
2. A'oothu: I seek refuge, protection, and fortification in You, O Allah.
   
3. Billahi: The Lord of all things; the true God Who is worshipped alone, and He has no partner.
   
4. Ash-Shaitaan: Otherwise known as Iblis or the Devil, may Allâh's curse be upon him.
   
5. Ar-Rajeem: The one who is stoned, repelled, and banished – banished from all mercy and good; he has no power to harm us, neither in our worldly affairs nor in our religion.
   

The Meaning of Al-Isti'athah
 I seek refuge and fortification from Allâh my Lord, against Shaitaan (Satan) the accursed, that he confuse me while I recite, or that he should make me go astray, to destruction and misery.

When the Prophet (ﷺ) would stand up at night to pray, he would

Begin his prayer with the Takbir, then say:

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ السَّميعِ الْعَلِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ مِنْ هَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ

I take refuge with Allah, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, from his pride, his poetry, and his madness. (It was recorded by the Sunan Compilers)

The Ruling on Al-Isti’āthah

Whenever one is about to recite the Qur'an—whether it is a chapter or more—it is Sunnah to first say,

"I seek refuge in Allâh from the accursed Shaitaan."

It is also recommended to say this phrase when one is angry or when one has evil thoughts.

The Explanation of Al-Basmala

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
 Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm (In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful).

The Meaning of Al-Basmala

Before doing anything, I begin by naming and remembering Allâh Almighty, seeking His help in everything, asking Him alone for support in all of my affairs. Indeed, He is the Lord, the One worshipped, His favors are many and great, His generosity is vast, and His mercy encompasses all creatures.

The Exalted Word

• Allâh: The Possessor of divinity and the right to be worshipped over all creatures. It is the Name known and recognized to refer to the Lord, Glorious and Most High.
  
• Ar-Rahmān (The Most Beneficent): This is one of Allâh's Names; it is derived from Ar-Rahmah (mercy), and it signifies its vastness. This name signifies a mercy that embraces all of creation, for Allâh Almighty creates them and provides for them; that is from the completeness of His favors, which is why it is said, "O Rahmān over this world."
  
• Ar-Raḥīm (The Most Merciful): This is also one of Allâh's Names, and it too is derived from Ar-Rahmah (mercy), signifying the greatness of His mercy, but this time specifically for the believers in the Hereafter. Allâh Almighty says:

وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا

And He is Ever Most Merciful to the believers(Surah al-Ahzab 33:43). And that is why it is said, "O Raheem of the Hereafter."

The Ruling on Al-Basmala

It is legislated for the worshipper, or one asking, to say,

"In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,"

with his recitation of every Surah from the Book of Allâh Almighty except for Surat At-Tawbah, in which case it is not recited.

In the obligatory Salat, one says it silently, even during the audible prayers. It is Sunnah for the worshipper to say Bismillah when:

• Eating and drinking
  
• Wearing clothing
  
• Entering and exiting the Masjid
  
• Sitting on a mount
  
• For every important matter
  

Just as it is obligatory for him to say Bismillah and Allahu Akbar when slaughtering a sheep or sacrificing a camel.

Fatwa(Ruling) regarding  Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm (بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ)

1. Allamah Shaykh Salih Al Fawzan(may Allah have mercy on him)

Shaykh Salih Al Fawzan, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: In the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

He(Shaykh Fawzan) began, may Allaah have mercy upon him, this treatise with the Basmalah, following the example of the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, since the first thing which you see in the mus-haf (the printed copy of the Qur’aan), and before every soorah of it is, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm (In the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy).

So therefore it is used to begin treatises, or letters and books and works following the example of the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. And likewise the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam used to write it at the start of his letters when he wrote to the governors and the chiefs and to those who were in the different regions of the earth, calling them to Islaam, he would begin his letter with,  Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm.

And he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam used to begin his talks and his speech with,  Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm (“In the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy”), which shows that beginning with,  Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm, is the sunnah of the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam, just as Sulaymaan ‘alaihissalaam when he wrote to Bilqees, the Queen of Saba’, he began his letter with, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm:

قَالَتْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ إِنِّي أُلْقِيَ إِلَيَّ كِتَابٌ كَرِيمٌ

إِنَّهُ مِن سُلَيْمَانَ وَإِنَّهُ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

أَلَّا تَعْلُوا عَلَيَّ وَأْتُونِي مُسْلِمِينَ

She said: O chiefs, a noble letter has been delivered to me, it is from Sulaymaan, and it reads, “In the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy”. Do not be haughty, and refuse what I call you to, but rather come to me in submission”. [27:29-31]

So it is befitting to begin with, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm, in every important affair and in every work which has importance and value, and in every letter.

So therefore those people who do not begin their works and their letters with, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm , those people have left the Prophetic sunnah and left following the example of the Book of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and perhaps because of that these books of theirs and these letters of theirs do not contain blessing and do not contain benefit, because they are deprived of, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm. So therefore, they are deprived of benefit.

Why did they abandon, Bismi AllāhiAr-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm? They abandoned it because it is a sunnah, and they flee away from the sunnah, or they blindly follow those people who flee away from the sunnah. So it is befitting that attention is given to the like of this.

So the meaning of, Bismi Allāhi Ar-Raĥmāni Ar-Raĥīm, is seeking aid through the Name of Allaah.

So his saying, Bismi Allāh (With the Name of Allaah), this is a preposition, and a word which is governed by the preposition, connected to something which is left unmentioned, whose meaning is taken to be, “I seek aid through the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy”, or, “I begin with the Name of Allaah, the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy”, seeking blessings by means of it and seeking the aid of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic.

So therefore it is a tremendous preface for speech and for books and for letters, so a person seeks the aid of Allaah in its beginning and seeks blessing by means of His Name, He the Perfect and Most High.

—source: Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah(Three Fundamentals Principles). Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by  Daawood  Burbank, rahimahullaah

2. What if we read the Quran from anywhere or from the middle of Quran, do we need to recite Basmalah(Bismillahi ir-Rahman ir-Rahim)? The answer is; recite as it is what you see in the Mushaf(is an Arabic word for a codex or collection of sheets, but also refers to a written copy of the Quran). I heard the evidence from Shaykh Fawzan, but I am unable to remember it at this time.

3.The Ruling On Reciting The Basmalah In Sūrah Al-Fātiḥah Out Loud In Ṣalāh | Shaykh Ṣāliḥ Al-Fawzān : It is read silently. It is not read loudly. This is the sunnah; that the Basmalah in the first chapter of Al-Quran Surah Fatihah is read silently.  See here[translation text in English + Arabic Audio], Why Do We Say The Basmalah In Al-Fātiḥah Silently In Ṣalāh? Answered by Shaykh Ṣāliḥ bn Fawzān

4. Saying the Basmalah in Audible Prayers(prayers in which imam recite surah Fatiha loud like in Salatul Fajir, Maghrib & Isha are Audible prayers)

The basmalah should be said silently when performing a prayer in which the recitation is audible as the basmalah and the accompanying Qurʾān recitation will be said silently in all other inaudible prayers. Thus, even if the recitation is audible in the prayer, those being led should not hear their imām say the basmalah. This is because all of the aḥādīth that have been narrated from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prove that he used to say it silently.[ Authentic: narrated by al-Bukhārī: 743 and Muslim: 399.] It has even been said that all narrations that mention him saying it loudly are weak.[ See Majmūʿ al-Fatāwá by Shaykh al-Islām [Ibn Taymiyyah] 22:275.]

• Source Troid link (🔗 Reciting the Istiʿādhah and the Basmalah in Prayer - troid.org | Digital Daʿwah )

5. Some people normally say: "Bismilian" whenever they intend to do anything normal. Is this something legislated or should it be rejected? By Shaykh Salih Al Fawzan:

“Remembering Allah (the Most High) by saying Bismillah is among the things that grant protection from the remembrances of Allah. Saying it is a legislative practice except when a person is relieving himself in the bathroom. In that instance he doesn’t mention Allah’s name until he leaves, however, he can remember Allah in his heart but not on his tongue.

6.I forget to say Bismillah before eating by Allamah Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al Uthaymin: “ The scholars have differed regarding saying bismillãh ("in the name of Allāh") before eating, is it obligatory or Islamically Recommended? What is correct is that it is obligatory and that it is mandatory for a person to say bismilläh when he is about to eat. If he forgets, he says the basmalah when he remembers and says bismilläh awwalahu wa akhirahu ("in the name of Allãh in its beginning and its end") If he doesn't do this then his punishment is that his enemy will eat with him. And he is the devil. May Alläh aid us and you against him. ” [Source: I forget to say Bismillah before eating, what should I do?]

7. I Forgot to Say Bismillah Before Wudu | Shaykh al-Albani

Questioner: My Shaykh, I do not know for sure, but I believe one of the youth asked you yesterday or wanted to ask you regarding someone forgetting to say bismilläh before performing wudu (ablution). For example, he reached the point of washing his feet and then remembered he did not say bismilläh.  What should he do?

Shaykh al-Albani: He should say bismillãh once he Remembers, and nobody asked me about this Yesterday.  Questioner: Nobody Asked? Shaykh Al Albani: Perhaps, he was not able to. 

Another Questioner: What if he made wudu (ablution) and did not say bismilläh at all, basically he forgot Completely? Shaykh Al Albani: There is nothing upon him inshAllah, on the condition that he usually says bismillah.  However if he neglectful (generally), then his situation is dangerous. [source: Forget to Say Bismillah Before Wudu by Allamah Imam Muhammad Nasiruddin Al-Albani RahimahuAllah]

8. Can I say Bismillah in the Bathroom Before Performing Wudu? | Shaykh Salih al-Luhaydan

Questioner:

Is it permissible to say Bismilläh before making wudu in the

Bathroom? May Allah raise your station.

Shaykh Salih al-Luhaydan: Yes, it is permissible. People should not make wudu while seated in the toilet seat. Once they have performed Istinga(genital cleansing), they should get up from that place to make wudu then say bismillah, even if they are still in the bathroom. [ source: Bismillah in the bathroom before making wudu]

9. Is it Obligatory to say Bismillah before a Surah in Salah(Namaj) by Allamah Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Baz RahimahuAllah

Question: If the one who is praying forgets to utter the ‘basmallah’ (bismillahi Rahmani Raheem) in his salah does this invalidate the salah, or does he have to do sujud as-sahu (prostration of forgetfulness)? May Allah reward you.

Answer from Imam Bin ibn Baz: In the name of Allah the most Gracious and the most Merciful & may the peace & blessings be upon the messenger of Allah and upon his family and companions & whoever has been guided to the right path.

The correct view from the statements of the people of knowledge is that ‘basmallah’ is sunnah & not an obligation. But it is initiated before every surah(114 chapters of the Quran) during the salah and outside (salah) except Surah Bara’ah which is also called Surah At-Tawba - the Repentance). So if the one who prays forgets it then there’s no need for him to do anything and his salah is correct and doesn’t need to make sujud as-Sahu. End of speech

Side point: Anas reported: I observed prayer along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and with Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with all of them), but I never heard any one of them reciting Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim loudly.

Sahih Muslim 399a

Chapter 13: The Proof Of Those Who Say That The Basmalah Should Not Be Recited Aloud, Book 4: The Book of Prayers

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet, Abu Bakr and `Umar used to start the prayer with "Al hamdu li l-lahi Rabbi l-`alamin (All praise is but to Allah, Lord of the Worlds).

Sahih al-Bukhari 743

Chapter 89: What to say after the Takbir, Book 10: Call to Prayers (Adhaan)

10. Is it permissible to listen to the Quran while in the bathroom? - Explained by Shaykh Bin Baaz

Question:

As it relates to listening to the Quran from a radio device while the person is in the bathroom, is it a sin to listen to it or not?

Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Bin Baaz:

There is no harm in him listening to it if the reciter is outside of the bathroom. If the recorded voice is outside of the bathroom, and the radio is outside of the bathroom, while he is listening to the Quran or beneficial hadith, while he is in this condition there is nothing wrong with this. It is only hated to speak or recite it.

As for his listening to a recording which is outside of the bathroom or a radio which is outside of the bathroom, so he benefits from this time, there is nothing wrong with this.

And some of the Imams have mentioned, and I believe it was Abul-Abbass Shaykh of Islam ibn Taymiyyah-may Allah have mercy upon him him-narrated from his grandfather Al-Majd that he used to order some of the reciters to recite outside of the bathroom while he was in the bathroom, so he could listen in order for him not to waste his time while he was in the bathroom. And this is from great diligence upon listening to knowledge. Thus the student of knowledge listening to knowledge or the Quran while he is in the bathroom from a radio which is outside of the bathroom, or a recording outside of the bathroom, is no problem. [Source: Is it permissible to listen to the Quran while in the bathroom?]

11. Saying Bismillah before eating

'Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), said to me, "Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Riyad Us-Saliheen 727]

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the beginning, (i.e., say Bismillah). If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu (I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end)."

[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud, Riyad as-Salihin 728, Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1858(Sahih by Imam Al-Albani), Sunan Ibn Majah 3264(Sahih)].

12. أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم(I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed) saying when one gets Angry

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "If a man gets angry and says, ‘I seek refuge with Allah,’ his anger will go away." (Sahih al-Jami’ al-Saghir, no. 695)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent." (Reported by Imam Ahmad, al-Musnad, 1/329; see also Sahih al-Jami’, 693, 4027)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "If any of you becomes angry and he is standing, let him sit down, so his anger will go away; if it does not go away, let him lie down."

13.According to scholarly opinion, it is permissible to say "Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm" before eating, though the recommended practice is to say "Bismillah". This is based on the hadith narrated by `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), where the Prophet ﷺ said:

“When one of you eats some food, let him say Bismillah. If he forgets to do so at the beginning, let him say Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning and end).”
(Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, 1781; classed as authentic by Shaykh Al-Albani)

While the full phrase "Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm" is not specifically mentioned in this context, many scholars permit its use. Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) stated:

“If one says when eating, Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm, that is good and more perfect.”
(End quote from Al-Fatawa Al-Kubra, 5/480)

Similarly, An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned:

“The best is to say Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm, but if one says Bismillah, that is sufficient and fulfills the Sunnah.”
(End quote from Al-Adhkar, 1/231)

Therefore, while "Bismillah" is the prescribed phrase before eating, saying "Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm" is permissible and considered more complete by some scholars.

Summary:

1. Meaning of Basmalah (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم):
   

• Translation: In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
  
• “Ar-Raḥmān” = mercy for all creation, “Ar-Raḥīm” = special mercy for believers.
  
• Used at the start of all Qur’ān chapters except Surah At-Tawbah.
  

2. Word-by-Word Meaning:
   

• بِسْمِ (Bismi) = In the Name of
  
• اللهِ (Allah) = The One True God
  
• الرَّحْمَٰنِ (Ar-Rahman) = The Most Compassionate
  
• الرَّحِيمِ (Ar-Raheem) = The Especially Merciful
  

3. Common English Translations: Multiple versions exist, e.g. “Most Gracious, Most Merciful” or “Entirely Merciful, Especially Merciful.”
   
4. Purpose of Saying Basmalah:
   

• Start every action seeking Allah’s blessings, guidance, and protection.
  
• Reminder that everything is by Allah’s permission.
  

5. Practice of the Prophet ﷺ and Scholars:
   

• Prophet ﷺ began letters, treaties, and writings with Basmalah.
  
• Scholars (like Imam al-Bukhari, Ibn Abdul-Wahhab) followed the same Sunnah.
  
• Some avoided extra introductions to avoid speaking before Allah and His Messenger.
  

6. Khutbat al-Ḥājah vs Basmalah:
   

• Prophet ﷺ often recited Khutbat al-Ḥājah before sermons (warning against bid‘ah).
  
• Scholars considered Basmalah more suitable for written works.
  

7. Consequences of Innovation (Bid‘ah):
   

• Innovators will be deprived of Prophet’s intercession.
  
• Allah may block their repentance.
  
• Shayṭān prefers innovation over sins because innovators think they’re right.
  

8. Scholars’ Explanations:
   

• Shaykh Moosa Richardson: Ar-Raḥmān = mercy for all, Ar-Raḥīm = mercy for believers in Hereafter.
  
• Shaykh Abu Iyyad Amjad Rafiq: Basmalah starts every surah except At-Tawbah.
  
• Imam Ibn Bāz: Explained isti‘ādhah (seeking refuge from Shayṭān) + detailed rulings on Basmalah.
  

9. Rulings on Basmalah:
   

• Recite before Qur’an, except Surah At-Tawbah.
  
• In prayer: recite silently (not loudly).
  
• Begin every important matter with it (eating, drinking, entering masjid, traveling, writing letters, etc.).
  
• Required when slaughtering animals.
  

10. Practical Issues:
    

• If forget Basmalah before eating → say “Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu.”
  
• If forget before wuḍūʾ (ablution) → say when remembered; if totally forgotten, no sin if it’s not habitual.
  
• Can say Basmalah in bathroom (quietly) before wuḍūʾ.
  
• Basmalah in Salah: Sunnah, not obligatory. If forgotten, Salah still valid.
  
• Listening to Qur’an in bathroom (from outside source) is allowed.
  

11. Eating Etiquette (Hadiths):
    

• Prophet ﷺ taught: Say Basmalah, eat with right hand, eat what is near.
  
• If forget, say “Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu.”
  

12. When Angry:
    

• Say “A‘ūdhu billāhi min ash-Shayṭānir-Rajīm” to calm anger.
  
• Sit down or lie down if angry, and remain silent.
  

13. Scholarly Opinion on Basmalah Before Eating:
    

• Saying just “Bismillah” is Sunnah.
  
• Full phrase “Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm” is permissible and even better.
  

✅ In short: Basmalah means starting in Allah’s Name, seeking His mercy and blessings. It is a Sunnah to begin all acts of importance with it, from Qur’an recitation to daily tasks like eating, drinking, writing, or traveling. Scholars emphasize its role in protecting from Shayṭān, showing gratitude, and ensuring blessings in actions.

Footnotes: Read the footnotes as you read the main text, because they add a lot of benefits. ✅